Undergraduate Study in Psychology

You can study psychology at UQ through the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Psychological Science (BPsySc degrees).

All three programs have approved sequences of study that are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). All three degrees are recognised by employers and meets degree requirements for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

The School of Psychology's course offerings are designed to meet several goals:

• To provide a foundation of study in psychology to students from many different faculties and schools;
• To educate students across a wide spectrum of psychology;
• To provide students with a foundation for a career in psychology;
• To prepare students to conduct independent psychological research.

You can apply for all three programs through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre, and upon successful completion of the honours year, you can apply for further training in one of our postgraduate programs.

Entry to the honours year is competitive based on grade point average (GPA). Students in the Bachelor of Psychological Science are guaranteed a place in fourth year (either the pass stream or the honours stream depending on GPA).

Registration as a Psychologist

Psychologist registration is covered by national legislation under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is the organisation responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia.

For general psychologist registration, the minimum requirement is currently an approved six-year program of study. This will normally involve:

1. An accredited four year sequence of study from an approved academic institution as described above, and a mandatory two-year period of supervised work; or
2. A four-year approved program of study as above, plus either a one year postgraduate diploma and supervised practice or a two-year approved Masters coursework or PhD program.

Registration is necessary before you can gain employment as, or even call yourself, a psychologist.

For further information on registration, please visit the Psychology Board of Australia website.

Find out more...

• Study psychology as a component of your degree
  You don't have to complete a full psychology degree to take psychology courses. Find out how you can include some psychology courses in your non-psychology program of study.
• Postgraduate study options at UQ
  The School of Psychology offers a number of different ways you can achieve registration as a psychologist through postgraduate study. We also offer a pathway for those wanting to work as counsellors.
• Why choose UQ?
  The School of Psychology at UQ is an excellent place to study. Find out why.
• Prospective Students Information at The University of Queensland
  This page gives you detailed information about Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses for both domestic and international students.
• Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
  QTAC control student admissions to The University of Queensland and this Web Site will help you become more familiar with the procedures involved in applying to study at the University.
• Eligibility for membership in the major professional association, the Australian Psychological Society, requires the completion of a Masters degree or PhD in Psychology.
• An alternative entry path is available to some qualified Indigenous Australian students. Please contact the First Year Administrator (firstyear@psy.uq.edu.au, 3365 6368) for further information.